The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) participated in the recently concluded 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) held at Shougang Park, Beijing, China, from September 9–13, 2026, as part of the Philippine higher education delegation.
Under the theme “Global Services, Shared Prosperity,” CIFTIS 2026 brought together participants from 90 countries, regions, and international organizations, with more than 1,800 companies participating on site. The five-day international fair featured exhibitions, forums, business-matching activities, and sector-specific programs, including a dedicated Education Services exhibition.
The Philippine Delegation was composed of 5 SUCs namely: Don Mariano Memorial State University, University of Northern Philippines, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Caraga State University and Eastern Visayas State University, and 2 HEIs namely, Emilio Aguinaldo College and University of Perpetual Help – Binan.
EVSU’s participation provided a strategic platform for the University to showcase Philippine higher education and its internationalization initiatives, while exploring opportunities for academic cooperation and institutional partnerships with Chinese higher education institutions and other international stakeholders.
Representing EVSU, Prof. Faustito A. Aure, Director of the Office of Internationalization, participated in the various CIFTIS activities and engagements designed to explore opportunities in transnational higher education, student mobility, micro-credentials, international training, and other education services.
The participation of EVSU also strengthened the University’s engagement with Chinese education institutions, government and industry stakeholders, and potential international partners. These engagements support EVSU’s continuing efforts to expand its international network and translate international opportunities into meaningful programs for its students, faculty, researchers, and academic units.
The University’s participation was undertaken in support of the internationalization priorities of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the broader objective of strengthening Philippines–China cooperation in higher education and education services. This engagement was spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing under the leadership of Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz.
Beyond participation in the fair, the EVSU delegation also used the opportunity to engage with prospective institutional and industry partners in Beijing, explore areas for collaboration, and identify opportunities that may contribute to the University’s academic, research, innovation, mobility, and internationalization agenda.
For EVSU, participation in CIFTIS 2026 represents another step in its continuing journey toward greater global engagement—connecting the University with international institutions, creating opportunities for its academic community, and advancing internationalization with meaningful local impact.
CIFTIS 2026 was co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Via AUSTITO A. AURE, MRD Director, Office of Internationalization Affairs
This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
